JUST IN:Hirings of Jets’ Glenn and Patriots’ Vrabel Give NFL 5 Teams with Coaches Who Once Played for Them

In recent years, the NFL has seen an interesting trend take shape: teams hiring former players to lead their sidelines. The most recent examples are the New York Jets, who hired Aaron Glenn as their defensive coordinator, and the New England Patriots, who brought in Mike Vrabel as their head coach. These moves add to a growing list of franchises where former players have returned to take on coaching roles. With Glenn and Vrabel joining the ranks, the NFL now boasts five teams with coaches who once donned the same jerseys they now coach.

1. Mike Vrabel – Tennessee Titans

One of the most high-profile examples of a former player turned coach is Mike Vrabel, who has been the head coach of the Tennessee Titans since 2018. Vrabel, a former linebacker, played for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008, where he became an integral part of the team’s defense. His physicality, leadership, and clutch performances in big moments helped the Patriots secure three Super Bowl titles during his tenure.

Vrabel’s transition to coaching was relatively smooth, thanks to his deep understanding of the game. He quickly moved up the ranks, initially serving as the linebackers coach for the Houston Texans before being hired as the Titans’ head coach. Under his leadership, the Titans have experienced success, including playoff appearances and a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2019. Vrabel’s experience as a former player in New England has certainly influenced his coaching style, and he remains one of the more respected young coaches in the league.

2. Aaron Glenn – New York Jets

Another former player now coaching for a team he once played for is Aaron Glenn, who was hired as the Jets’ defensive coordinator in 2021. Glenn, a former cornerback, spent three seasons with the Jets from 2002 to 2005. During his time in New York, Glenn developed a reputation as a savvy and reliable defensive back, known for his ability to read quarterbacks and make big plays.

After retiring from playing, Glenn spent several years as a coach, working his way up through various assistant roles, including stints with the New Orleans Saints as a secondary coach and the Detroit Lions as their defensive coordinator. His deep knowledge of the Jets’ defensive schemes, combined with his experience in various coaching positions, made him a perfect candidate to return to New York and lead their defense. Glenn’s familiarity with the Jets’ culture and his history with the franchise allow him to bring both leadership and tactical acumen to the team’s defense.

3. Dan Campbell – Detroit Lions

Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions, is another example of a former player-turned-coach who has returned to a franchise that he once played for. Campbell played tight end for the Lions from 2006 to 2008 and was known for his toughness and physicality on the field. After his playing career ended, Campbell began his coaching journey, spending time as an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins and later with the New Orleans Saints.

In 2021, Campbell was hired as head coach of the Lions, and his impact was immediate. Known for his fiery personality and emotional leadership, Campbell has been a breath of fresh air for a franchise that has struggled in recent years. He brings a unique blend of passion and coaching expertise that has started to turn the Lions’ culture around, and his deep connection to the team he once played for has only enhanced his ability to relate to his players.

4. Mike McDaniel – Miami Dolphins

Another example of a former player returning to coach his old team is Mike McDaniel, head coach of the Miami Dolphins. McDaniel, a former wide receiver, was a player for the Denver Broncos in the early 2000s. Although his playing career was short, McDaniel’s passion for the game and his intellectual approach to football propelled him into coaching, where he quickly rose through the ranks.

Before becoming the Dolphins’ head coach in 2022, McDaniel was the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, where he helped design one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. His ability to adapt and innovate has made him a highly sought-after coach. McDaniel’s return to Miami, where he spent time early in his career as an assistant coach, marks a full-circle moment. His modern offensive schemes and innovative approach are expected to help propel the Dolphins into playoff contention.

5. Bruce Arians – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Finally, Bruce Arians, former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is yet another example of a coach who came back to lead a team he once played for. Arians played wide receiver for the Bucs in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He made his mark as a coach, however, working with various NFL teams before landing the head coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals. After a successful stint with the Cardinals, Arians took over the Buccaneers in 2019, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 2021.

Arians’ leadership and innovative offensive strategies turned the Bucs into an elite team, and his return to Tampa Bay as head coach culminated in the team’s first Super Bowl win since 2002. Arians retired after the 2021 season, leaving a lasting legacy as a coach who had deep ties to the franchise and delivered significant success.

Conclusion

The hiring of former players as coaches is a trend that continues to grow in the NFL. These coaches bring with them a deep understanding of the game, an emotional connection to the franchise, and often a unique perspective on leadership. With figures like Mike Vrabel, Aaron Glenn, Dan Campbell, Mike McDaniel, and Bruce Arians making their mark on the NFL, the league is showing that former players can be highly effective in leading teams to success. As more former players take on coaching roles, the dynamic between players and coaches will likely continue to evolve, bringing fresh perspectives andexciting developments to the game.